Grade 8 Learning Module in Music - Complete

Compilation by Ben: r_borres@yahoo.com

GRADE 8
Learning Module

MUSIC
(Qtr 1 to 4)

2
INTRODUCTION
It’s more fun in the Philippines! These words
remind us of our wonderful experience in studying Philippine
music in our Grade 7 lessons. Truly we should be proud to
be Pinoy for having a very rich culture especially in music
and arts.
We will now move on to our friendly neighbors in
Southeast Asia. You will notice that our music is very similar
to that or our neighbors. In this module, you will find
different activities where you can learn and show your
understanding of the basic concepts and principles of
Southeast Asian music. You will also discover how people
from the Southeast Asian countries express their feelings
towards each other, towards the environment, and their
history and beliefs through vocal or instrumental music.

3
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you as a learner are expected to:
 analyze the music of Southeast Asia
 perform using the music of Southeast Asia
 analyze examples of Southeast Asian music and describes how the
musical elements are used
 relate Southeast Asian music to the lives of the people
 explain the distinguishing characteristics of representative Southeast
Asian music in relation to history and culture of the area
 perform available instruments from Southeast Asia, alone and/or with
others.
 improvise simple rhythmic/harmonic accompaniments to selected
Southeast Asian music
 explore ways of producing sounds on a variety of sources that would
simulate instruments being studied
 evaluate the quality of your own and others’ performances and
improvisations of Southeast Asian music using developed criteria

4
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Before we formally begin our lesson, let’s find out if you know
something about the Southeast Asian countries. Up next are a few
activities that will assess what you know, what you can do, and what
else you need to learn to achieve your targets for this module.
Are you ready?
Let’s travel!
Now, wouldn’t it be fun to visit different places? In Southeast
Asia, there are eleven countries to visit. If you were given a chance
to visit these countries, which one would you visit first? Why?
In your notebook, make a list of Southeast Asian countries you
want to visit. Arrange it according to your top priorities down to the
least and write the reason why you chose to arrange it in that way.
Use the map to guide you in exploring Southeast Asia.

6
A. Vocal / Instrumental music:
Can you recall the differences between Vocal music and Instrumental music? Write their
differences in your notebook.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
When you travel especially in a foreign country,
you need to have an idea about their culture. You
need to know what kind of food they have, their
mode of transportation, type of clothes to wear,
important sights or places to visit, the religion,
music, and so many other things.
Why do you need to know about the country’s
culture before travelling? Each country has its
distinct characteristics and knowing about them
will help you adapt and cope with their culture.
One way of learning culture is through their music.
Are you ready to learn Southeast Asian culture
through music?
Let’s start!
We will be discussing music in two categories:
Vocal and Instrumental.
It is time to find out if you are familiar with
Southeast Asian music.

7
B. Vocal Music
The songs listed below belong to the different countries in Southeast Asia. Check the
box beside the songs that are familiar to you.
Burung Kaka Tua
Rasa Sayang
Chan Mali Chan
Ru Con
Bahay Kubo
Loi Loi Krathong
Can you sing any of these
songs? No need to worry if
you don’t know all of them.
We just want to see if you
are familiar with any
Southeast Asian songs.
Maybe you know some of
the instruments on the next
page. Let’s check them out!
Were you able to identify the differences of Vocal music
and Instrumental music? Vocal music is music made
specifically for voices. It may be performed with or without
instruments while Instrumental music is made solely for
instruments. In the next activity, you will find out if your
answer above is correct.

8
C. Instrumental Music
1._____________________________ 2._____________________________
3.__________________________ 4. ______________________________
Are you familiar with the instruments below? Look at
each picture and try to guess its country of origin and
identify how it is played. Try to remember the
Hornbostel-Sachs classification of instruments that you
learned in Grade 7. Is it an aerophone, chordophone,
idiophone, membranophone, or an electrophone? Put a
“smiley” face (  ) beside the instrument to indicate if
you think you can play it.

9
5. ___________________________ 6. ______________________________
7. ____________________________ 8. _____________________________
9.____________________________ 10. _____________________________

10
LEARNING GOALS AND TARGETS
At the end of this module,
I would like to know about __________________________________
I would like to be able to ___________________________________
I would like to understand __________________________________
I would like to perform _____________________________________
How many instruments were you able to name? Were you
able to guess how they sound and how they are played? You can
check your answers as we go on with the lessons. The instruments
in the previous activity will be discussed later on.
Now, based on your answers in the pre-assessment
activities, what do you think you should learn about Southeast
Asian music?
Write your specific goals in your notebook following the
guide below.
Good job! You’re done writing your goals for
this quarter.
It’s time to formally start our lessons. As we
move along, try to look back at your pre-assessment
activities and check if you were able to learn the
things that you were not able to answer before. Turn
to the next page.

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PART I. WHAT TO KNOW
Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the most
beautiful countries in Southeast
Asia. It is also known as
Kâmpŭchéa. It was the center of
the Khmer (Cambodian) kingdom
of Angkor, a great empire that
dominated Southeast Asia for 600
years. Their music gained a world-
wide reputation in the 1960s until
the dramatic political problems in
Cambodia.
Art music is highly influenced
by ancient forms as well
as Hindu forms.
Cambodian court music is roughly similar to that of Java, Indonesia. They feature
choruses with large orchestras based on struck keys and gongs.
Cambodian people also absorbed and adopted Indian, Chinese, European, and
other cultures to suit their own traditions and tastes that resulted in a distinct
Cambodian culture.
ANGKOR WAT
This part of the module will provide you a little
tour of Southeast Asia. It is very important for you to
learn the historical background and basic concepts
that you will need as you go on with the lessons.
Our discussion will focus on the vocal and
instrumental music of Southeast Asian countries
particularly in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

12
The Pinpeat is a Cambodian musical ensemble or an orchestra that usually
accompanies ceremonial music of the royal courts and temples. Music is always part of
their court dances, masked plays, shadow plays, and religious ceremonies. This group
is similar to the Piphat ensemble of Thailand and usually consists of nine or ten
instruments.
TEACHER-ASSISTED ACTIVITY:
If you have access to the internet, visit www.youtube.com and type in the link
below to watch video clips of Pinpeat. If in case you don’t have internet access, ask
your teacher to lend you a CD copy of the Pinpeat ensemble performances taken from
the website. After watching the performances, answer the questions found on the next
page. Write your answers in your notebook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tYa-N6cKGY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx5VzphVxRs
SKORTHOM - two big drums similar
to Japanese (membranophone)
CHHING – finger
cymbals (idiophone)
THE PINPEAT
ONEAT – xylophones
(idiophone)
KONGVONG - gong
circles (idiophone)
SAMPHOR - a
double-headed
drum played with
hands
(membranophone)

13
QUESTIONS:
1. In 3-5 sentences, describe how the Pinpeat musicians play their instruments.
2. How many instrument players were needed to form the Pinpeat?
3. Are their instruments made of wood or metal?
You can also visit the following web pages for additional reference:
 http://www.istov.de/htmls/cambodia/cambodia_start.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_music
 http://www.keosambathmusic.com/index.htm
Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago in
Southeast Asia comprising approximately
17,500 islands. With over 238 million
people, Indonesia is the world's fourth most
populous country and is the fourth biggest
nation of the world. Through interaction
with other cultures such as Indian, Arabic,
Chinese and European, a wide range of
musical styles has been developed. Today
the contemporary music of Indonesia is
popular not only in the region but also in
the neighbouring countries.
There are two basic kinds of Indonesian music scale:
o Slendro – five (5) equidistant tones in octave
o Peloq – heptatonic (7) tone scale with semi tone
Both vocal and instrumental music in Indonesia use slendro and peloq scales.
 Polyphonic stratification kind of melody is a result of hocket/Interlock.
 Interlocking is a common technique used in gong ensembles.
Irama – is an Indonesian term for tempo
BOROBUDUR
If Cambodia has the Pinpeat ensemble, do
other Southeast Asian Countries have their
own musical ensembles? Let’s find out!

14
Gamelan
The Gamelan or Gamelan
orchestra is the most popular form
of music in Indonesia. There are
many types of Gamelan but the
famous Javanese and Balinese
Gamelan are the most famous. It
contains a variety of instruments
such as metallophones,
xylophones, kendang and gongs;
bamboo flutes, bowed and
plucked strings.
Vocal music is used as ornamentation of the Gamelan. It is as important as gamelan.
1. Pesindhen is a female soloist singer who sings with a Gamelan
2. Gerong refers to the unison male chorus that sings with the gamelan
Remember:
Karawitan is the term for every kind of gamelan
music in Java.
Gamelan orchestras - are used to accompany
dances, songs, and Wayang
Kulit
- are believed to possess
supernatural powers
- consider their instruments
sacred, therefore stepping
over the instrument is a sign
of disrespect
- musicians bow before
playing the instruments to
show respect

15
PARTNER ACTIVITY:
After watching/listening to the Javanese and
Balinese gamelan, write down your description of each
musical ensemble in a sheet of paper. You may use the
guide questions below. As soon as you’ve finished
answering, compare your answers with your partner. Check
if you have the same description.
The Gamelan Music of Indonesia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1AiCTJ9t8g
The Balinese Gamelan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmlAZxha8Pw
The Javanese Gamelan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfrOSJRCsfM
QUESTIONS:
1. In 3-5 sentences, describe how the Javanese and Balinese musicians play their
instruments.
2. How many instrument players are needed to form each ensemble?
3. Are their instruments made of wood or metal?
You’re probably wondering how you can
distinguish the Javanese gamelan from the Balinese
gamelan. Follow the links below each TV screen icon.
Watch and listen to how they play.

16
Are your answers in the previous activity similar to the chart below?
Javanese Gamelan Balinese Gamelan
 Used for court music
 Percussion dominated
 Style of playing gives solemn
character
 Used for sacred music
 Consist of metallophone and mostly
gongs
 Sudden change of tempo and
dynamics are the basic characteristic.
 Sounds are very bright and brilliant
 Use of fast and rattling sounds of
cymbals makes distinctive characters
Myanmar
Myanmar was known as
Burma until 1989. When the
country’s name was officially
changed by the military government
that took over in 1988. Early
civilization in Myanmar dates back to
the 1st
century with archaeological
evidences of the Pyu Kingdoms of
Thayekhittaya (Sri Ksetra), Beithano
(Visnu), and Hanlin.
The music of Myanmar (or
Burma) has similarities with many other musical traditions in the region, including
Chinese music and Thai music, probably because its longest land border is shared with
China.
So, Cambodia has the Pinpeat ensemble while Indonesia
has the Javanese and Balinese gamelans. However, the
Indonesian gamelans have singers performing with them.
Do other Southeast Asian countries have singers as well
as their musical ensembles? Let’s read on.
SCHWEDAGO

17
The Hsaing Waing is Myanmar’s traditional folk music ensemble. It is made up
mainly of different gongs and drums as well as other instruments depending on the
nature of the performance.
Myanmar’s musical instruments are categorized into 2 types, the loud sounding
and soft sounding. The loud sounding instruments are performed in open-air
ensembles at ceremonies and festivals. Most of the Hsaing Waing instruments belong
to the loud sounding category.
Other instruments in the Hsaing Waing are the:
hne (a double
reed pipe)
pat
waing (a
set of 21
drums in a
circle)
kyi waing (small
bronze gongs in a
circular frame)
maung
hsaing (larger
bronze gongs in a
rectangular frame)
chauk lon
pat (a set of 8
tuned drums)
Not shown in the picture is
the siand wa (bell and
clapper)

18
For more formal and classical performances that are performed indoors, the
ensemble may be accompanied by the saung gauk the national instrument of (13-string
angular harp with soft sound) Myanmar, the pattala (Burmese xylophone), or
the piano and violin, both introduced during colonial rule.
SAUNG GAUK
Myanmar Harp
Myanmar not only has musical ensembles but also an extensive collection of
classical songs called the Mahagita. These songs are divided into different types like
the oldest repertoires, royal court music, songs of longing, horses’ dance songs,
worship songs for Burmese spirits, and songs of sorrow and music adapted from
Ayutthaya and the Mon people. The saung gauk usually accompanies these songs.
The body of the saung gauk is made
of padauk, the famous Myanmar mahogany,
the flat bar is made of cutch wood, it is
covered with the leather of a female deer
and the strings are made of silk.

19
Malaysia
Malaysia is a constitutional
monarchy in Southeast Asia. It is
divided into two regions:
1. West Malaysia – also
known as Peninsular Malaysia
2. East Malaysia consists
of thirteen states and three federal
territories. Chinese and Indian
cultural influences made their
mark when trade began in the
country. Trading also increased
when immigrants flocked to
Malaysia.
The country is multi-
ethnic and multi-cultural, which plays a large role in developing their culture.
The constitution declares Islam the state religion while protecting freedom of religion.
Multi-racial groups that influenced Malaysia’s music genre:
1. Malay
2. Chinese
3. Indian
4. Iban
5. Dayak
6. Kadazandusun
7. Eurasians
Malaysian music is largely based around percussion instruments. It has multi-
cultural influence and is believed to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region with
a mixture of Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian influences.
The music of Malaysia may be categorized into two types:
1. Classical and Folk music emerged during the pre-colonial period and still
exists in the form of vocal, dance, and theatrical music.
2. Syncretic or Acculturated music developed during the post-Portuguese
period (16th century). It contains elements from both local music and foreign
elements of Arabian, Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Western musical and
theatrical sources.
PAHANG STATE MOSQUE

20
Malaysian Musical Instruments
Musical instruments of Malaysia are greatly associated with their culture and
roots. Due to colonization, the stages of development of Malaysian instruments are
great. They share some common features with Indian musical instruments. After the
colonization of Malaysia by the British, the musical development was influenced by
Western music.
Musical ensembles and types of performances in Malaysia:
1. Agung and Kulintang
This is a gong-based musical ensemble commonly used in funerals and
weddings in East Malaysia. This type of ensemble is similar to the kulintang of the
Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia.
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/?p=53218
2. Kertok
This is a musical ensemble from the Malay Peninsula that consists of xylophones
played swiftly and rhythmically in traditional Malay functions.
http://pelancongan-terengganu.blogspot.com/2010/09/perkampungan-budaya.html

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3. Dikir Barat
This is a type of musical form that is important to Malaysia’s national
culture.
It is performed by singing in groups and often in a competitive manner usually
with percussion instrumental accompaniment or sometimes without instruments
at all.
http://www.agefotostock.com/en/Stock-Images/Rights-Managed/PIL-M01810764
4. Silat Melayu
This is a form of martial art that is similar to t’ai chi. It originated in the
Malay Peninsula since the Christian Era and is a mixture of martial arts, dance,
and music usually accompanied by gongs, drums, and Indian oboes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/isham/2072688466/

22
Thailand
Formerly known as Siam, Thailand
is known for being the sole nation in
Southeast Asia that has never been
ruled by a Western power. It is for this
reason that the country is also called
“Muang Thai,” which means “Land of
the Free.” History and geography
indicates that Thai music is a
conglomeration of Asian influences. Its
musical principles and elements are
basically derived from Chinese music,
while its musical instruments are
inspired from the Indian and
Indonesian strings and gong-chimes.
The Thais combined and adapted these to their culture and created their own unique
music.
Music is theoretically based on the five-tone or seven-tone scale system. It is
not only confined to the royal courts but is also used extensively in dance, theatre, and
in ceremonies.
Thai folk music consists of simple songs with simple melodic lines. Its main focus
in singing is the articulation of the text rather than the style or technique of execution.
Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia have
instrumental ensembles and vocal music.
Have you noticed that these musical performances
are used in different manners in their culture? They
have a specific type of music for festivals, religious
events, weddings, and funerals.
Do you think the other countries have this too? Do
they use instrumental and vocal music for their
cultural or religious events?
Let’s keep on reading.
AYUTTHAYA RUINS

23
Songs of Thailand have inherently poetic lyrics which allow a singer or performer
to easily define the melodic lines. It provides the singer the opportunity to improvise
song text to suit the given occasion. The interpretation of a singer gives meaning to the
sacred and spiritual essence of songs with free rhythm while melodies may either be
interpreted or written in the high or low register with long or short durations.
Thailand has three primary instrumental ensembles that are similar to the other
ensembles in Southeast Asia.
1. Piphat - It is a mid-sized orchestra that is performed in either outdoor style with
hard mallets or indoor style with padded mallets. This ensemble has different
types but the highly ornate one is traditionally associated with funerals and
cremation ceremonies. Other versions of the piphat ensemble are used to
accompany specific forms of traditional Thai drama such as the large shadow
puppet theatre (nang yai) and the khon dance drama.
www.pianofortephilia.blogspot.com
2. Khrueang Sai – It is an orchestra that combines some of the percussion and
wind instruments of the Piphat with an expanded string section. This group is
primarily used for indoor performances and for the accompaniment of stick-
puppet theater.
www.tube.7s-b.com

24
3. Mahori – This ensemble is traditionally played by women in the courts of Central
Thailand and Cambodia. Because of this, instruments for this ensemble are
historically smaller. However, regular-sized instruments are used today. A
vocalist performing with the Mahori is usually accompanied by the so sam sai.
www.thailandmusicproject.weebly.com
Laos
This country is an
independent state of Southeast
Asia and officially known as Lao
People’s Democratic Republic. It is
formerly part of the Indochinese
Union, also known as French
Indochina. Wat Pha That Luang,
Vientiane is one of its famous
landmarks.
The classical music and
dance of Laos is highly influences
by India, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Themes are drawn from Hindu mythology, the Buddhist Jatakatales, and
local legends.
The royal entourage of Lao kings traditionally included musicians, and a
typical orchestra improvised songs with sets of tuned gongs, xylophones, a
bamboo flute, and other wind instruments. The Lao orchestra can be divided into
two categories:
1. Sep Nyai - This is similar to the Piphat of Thailand with instruments that are
strictly percussive but also integrates the use of an oboe.
WAT PHA THAT LUANG

25
2. Sep Noi – This is also known as the Mahori of Thailand. However, it
incorporates the use of several Khene which is a large bamboo mouth organ
and is the most popular folk music instrument of Laos.
Traditional music, called Mor lam, is largely based around the khene.
Wow! It looks like most of the countries in
Southeast Asia have a lot of similarities in their
musical instruments and types of music
performed. Their musical influences are
similar to one another as well.
Isn’t it amazing?
Let’s see if the last two countries to be
discussed have the same similarities to the
other countries.

26
Vietnam
Vietnam is officially known as
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
This country is located on the
eastern coast of the Indochinese
Peninsula.
Vietnamese music (nhạc Việt
Nam) refers to the ethnic music that
originated from the "Kinh" people of
Vietnam. This term is also used to
address the music of any of the
numerous ethnic minorities including
the Montagnard, Degar, Tay, Cham,
and others.
Although Vietnam is geographically part of Southeast Asia, ten centuries of rule
by the Chinese to the north have made the culture much closer to Far East than to its
Southeast Asian neighbors. Thus, early music theory was either based upon or adapted
to the prevailing Chinese theory, and the majority of instruments used in the royal court
were of Chinese origin.
On the other hand, other influences can be seen with the ethnic minorities, such
as the Chàm or Montagnard peoples. This is possibly due to interaction with the other
countries of Southeast Asia. Vietnamese music shows signs of Indian influences,
noticeable in improvisation preludes of chamber music (known as rao in the South
and dao in the north) as well as usage of onomatopoeia in drum playing.
Traditional and Folk Music
Vietnamese traditional music can be separated into a few major categories,
divided predominantly by the way in which were used in the people's cultural lives.
THIEN MU

27
Categories of Vietnamese Music:
1. Imperial court music – The most popular of this kind is the Nha nhac that was
popularly performed during the Tran Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty. This form
of classical music is also performed in honour of the gods and scholars in
temples. Other classical music falling into this category include the Dai Nhac
(“great music”) and the Tieu Nhac (“small music”) which was performed as
chamber music for the king.
www.vietnamonline.com
2. Folk music - This category is extremely diverse because it includes music
performed both indoors and outdoors. Performers of this category are also
diverse. They may be professional musicians down to the blind artists in the
streets who perform to earn their living. Vietnamese folk music are performed in
different occasions depending on its sub-category. It may be performed in
musical theaters, streets, courtship rituals, and ceremonies for invoking spirits.
They are sometimes also influenced by Western elements. Some Vietnamese
music only makes use of female singers and some have both male and female
singers.
www.tuoitrenews.vn
3. Religious and Ceremonial music – This is music performed in religious rituals
or at funerals.

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Singapore
The Republic of Singapore
is an independent republic in
Southeast Asia, comprised of one
main island and about 50 small
adjacent islands off the southern
tip of the Malay Peninsula. About
three-fourths of the people of
Singapore, known as
Singaporeans, are Chinese, but
there are significant Malay and
Indian minorities.
Singapore’s cultural life
reflects its colonization by the
British Empire and its diverse
population. Being the melting pot of
different cultures in Asia, folk music
of this country reflects the culture and traditions of specific groups.
The ethnic groups which made a prominent place in the musical world of
Singapore have been Chinese, Indian Malays, and Tamils. Other minority Asian ethnic
groups which have also made a mark in the folk culture of Singapore are the
Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay Bangwasan.
Through the years, the music industry in Singapore grew having Western-
influenced performances by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as well as ethnic
music performances mainly by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Other performing
groups with Malay and Indian influence are still prevalent until today.
MERLION
That’s Southeast Asian music! Isn’t it amazing how
rich their culture is? Aren’t you proud that our country
is part of this Asian region?
It is time to learn how to perform Southeast Asian
music! But first, let us see if you can describe
Southeast Asia in your own words. Do the following
activities on your own.

29
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY 1:
In your notebook, write words that describe Southeast Asian music that starts
with the letters spelling out Southeast Asia.
S _____________________________________________________________
O _____________________________________________________________
U _____________________________________________________________
T_____________________________________________________________
H_____________________________________________________________
E_____________________________________________________________
A_____________________________________________________________
S_____________________________________________________________
T_____________________________________________________________
A_____________________________________________________________
S_____________________________________________________________
I_____________________________________________________________
A_____________________________________________________________
Direction: On a sheet of paper, write the country which is associated with the following
word.
________________1. Khene _________________6. Hsaing Waing
________________2. Nha nhac _________________7. Saung Gauk
________________3. Gamelan _________________8. Kulintang
________________4. Pinpeat _________________9. Mahori
________________5. Piphat _________________10. Orchestra
Good job! You’ve finished answering the
individual activities.
To know more about Southeast Asian
performances, you may follow the online links on
the following page.

30
Suggested online materials
Resources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdleRSML-o Ranad (Traditional Thai Music
Instruments)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=S4rUVL81bZI&feature=endscreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGhcbyhBxXo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13CPOuYEOK4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4cVualDqgE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLt7UaZYZ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqDWbNS74Ac
Laos Traditional Song
Song sung by man of this village. The description of the song given to me was
"December is coming. Should we get married to stay warm?”
Resources (Web sites, Software, etc.):
International Folk Songs. (1997) Hal Leonard
Anderson, William and Patricia Campbell. (1996). Multicultural Perspectives in Music
Education, 2nd
ed. Virginia, USA: MENC.
Eugenio, Damiana. (1998). Anthology of Philippine Literature. Manila: Dela Salle
University Press.
Eugenio, Damiana. (2008). Anthology of Philippine Literature, 2nd
ed. Quezon City:
University of the Philippines Press.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Thailand
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Cambodia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Myanmar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Laos
Now, it is time to experience Southeast Asian
music! Some musical ensembles in Southeast Asia
have singers performing with them.
Remember the songs we asked you about in the
Pre-assessment? Let us see if we can sing and
perform some of the songs.

31
PART II: PROCESS
TEACHER ASSISTED ACTIVITY:
Directions: Watch videos and listen to some songs from Indonesia and Malaysia. With
the guidance of your teacher, learn how to sing the two songs.
Burung Kaka Tua:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTCFS0pgBps&feature=related
Burung Kakatua
(Bahasa Indonesia)
Burung kakatua
Hinggap di jendela
Nenek sudah tua
Giginya tinggal dua
Tredung, tredung, tredung tra la la
Burung kakatua
Giginya tinggal dua
Nenek sudah tua
Hinggap di jendela
Seperti kakatua!
Burung kakatua
The Cockatoo
(English )
The cockatoo
Sits on the window sill
My grandmother is already old
And she only has two teeth
Burung kakatua
She only has two teeth left
Grandma is already old
She sits on the the window sill
Like the cockatoo!
Burung kakatua

33
Rasa Sayang:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=MQn
SM7_kssM
Rasa Sayang
(Malay)
Rasa sayang hey!
Rasa sayang sayang hey!
Hey lihat nona jauh
Rasa sayang sayang hey!
Buah cempedak di luar pagar
Ambil galah tolong jolokkan
Saya budak baru belajar
Kalau salah tolong tunjukkan
Pulau pandan jauh ke tengah
Gunung daik bercabang tiga
Hancur badan dikandung tanah
Budi yang baik dikenang juga
Dua tiga kucing berlari
Mana sama si kucing belang
Dua tiga boleh ku cari
Mana sama abang seorang
Pisang emas dibawa berlayar
Masak sebiji di atas peti
Hutang emas boleh dibayar
Hutang budi dibawa mati
I’ve Got That Lovely Feeling
(Literal English translation)
I’ve got that loving feeling hey!
See that girl in the distance
The cempedak tree is across the fence
Please take a stick and poke it down for me
I’m just a new guy trying to learn
So if I’m wrong then please tell me
Pandan island far in midst
With the three peaked Daik mountain
While the body decomposes in earth
Good deeds remain to be remembered
Two or three cats are running around
With the striped one which can vie
Two or three men woo I may
Which of them with you can vie
Pisang emas brought on a journey
One ripens on a box
If gold is owed, it can be repaid
But if it is gratitude, it is carried to the grave

35
GROUP ACTIVITY:
1. Form a rhythmic instrumental ensemble using improvised
instruments or any available musical instruments that sound like
instruments from Southeast Asia. You may use metal discs that
sound like gongs, bamboo flutes, guitars, piano keyboards, etc.
2. Perform the songs again using the available instruments in your
group.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY:
Sing the song “Bahay Kubo” or accompany it using an improvised musical instrument.
Your accompaniment should imitate the rhythmic patterns heard in the music of
Southeast Asia.
Part III: REFLECT AND UNDERSTAND
TEACHER-ASSISTED ACTIVITY:
Loi Loi Gratong is an example of a folksong from Thailand. Visit
www.youtube.com to watch the video presentation or listen to the sample music
provided by your teacher to answer the question given below. Write your answers in
your notebook.
1. Describe the voice quality.
2. How was the music performed?
3. Is the performance style effective in bringing about the message?
4. How were the varied musical elements used in bringing about the message of
the music?
Were you able to sing the two songs just like the Indonesians and
Malaysians?
It’s time to learn how to accompany the songs.
What is easier for you, singing Southeast Asian songs
or playing improvised instruments?
In the next part, you will be able to check if you have
fully understood what Southeast Asian music is about.
Let us see if you can analyze some of the sample
music.

37
GROUP/PAIR WORK 1: Using the music sheet and table as your guide, listen to the ways
the music was performed. In a cartolina or manila paper, write down the differences and
similarities of the performing styles as observed by your group or partner.
Characteristic
http://www.youtu
be.com/watch?v=
XV1KOwF1pUo
Chan Mali Chan
(Lagu Rakyat)
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=LEEey0G_aC4
&feature=related
Chan Mali Chan
The Stylers (1982)
http://www.youtube.com/wa
tch?v=1q06n7OOdEY
Chan Mali Chan
Marsiling Chinese
Orchestra
Background / Function
Tempo
Meter
Tonality
Texture
Form

38
GROUP/PAIR WORK 2:
Your class will be divided into two groups. Each group will be given five minutes to
discuss and share ideas about the characteristics of Javanese and Balinese Gamelan.
Each group will use graphic organizers as illustrated below or make their own organizer
to present ideas effectively.

39
Listen to the song “Ru Con”. Analyze the song by answering the questions below. You
may access the music sample through http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BCBrHE-
dw.
Draw and sing the scale used in the song “Ru con”:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guide Questions:
1. What scale is used in this song?
2. What feeling is being conveyed upon hearing the song?
3. How is it similar to the Filipino song “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”?

40
Gamelan is very popular in Indonesia. It is similar to the Kulintang of the Philippines. On
a sheet of paper, make a Venn Diagram that can describe both musical ensembles. Use
the guide below.
PART IV. TRANSFER
GROUP ACTIVITY: “Sing it! Move it!”
Your teacher will organize your into five groups. Each
group will sing one Southeast Asian song either learned from class or through
research. Enhance your group performance with the use of improvised musical
instruments as accompaniments and incorporate body movements. Please refer to the
criteria given below. Before performing, briefly explain your answers to the questions:
1. Describe how a musical element reflects the culture of each country.
2. What is the difference between the traditional and contemporary folk songs of
Southeast Asia?
Gamelan
Functions
Tuning
System
Religious
Beliefs
Kulintang
Functions
Tuning
System
Religious
Beliefs
Are you ready to share what you know about
Southeast Asian music?
You may choose any of the two activities that
would suit you.

41
Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Correct expression and style
Accurate rhythm
Appropriateness of accompaniment and movements
Correct pitch
Sensitive phrasing
Well-defined dynamic level
Creativity
Rubrics for Designing an Instrument Substitute
Basic Developing Approaching
Proficiency
Proficient
Inappropriate;
Messy and
incomplete
materials; Sound
quality lacks
similarity with that of
the original
instrument.
Most materials
appropriate;
Decorated but
messy; Neat but
fragile; Sound
quality somewhat
similar but not
exactly similar to
that of the original
instrument.
Appropriate
materials;
decorated, neat;
Sound quality
almost similar to
that of the original
instrument
Appropriate and
creatively modified
materials;
Decorated within
the context of the
instrument; Neat
and Durable; Sound
quality most similar
to that of the original
instrument.
INDIVIDUAL/PAIR ACTIVITY:
Make a scrapbook of Southeast Asian musical instruments. Carefully organize
the pictures in your scrapbook and include a brief description about each instrument.
Please refer to assessment rubric for the criteria.
Criteria:
Scrapbook Rubrics
Points 4 3 2 1 Earned
Assessment
Advanced Approaching
Proficiency
Developing Beginner Self Teach
er
Content Information is
complete and
is enhanced
by accurate
and
appropriate
details
Main points
are covered
but lack some
details
Some main
points and
details are
missing.
Main points
are not
complete
and are
greatly
lacking in
detail

42
Pictures,
photographs,
or other
similar devices
add to overall
effectiveness
of the
scrapbook;
captions are
relevant and
explanatory.
Number and
types of
visuals are
adequate, as
are captions.
More and
better visuals
could be used;
captions only
identify and
label rather
than explain.
Very little
pictorial
representati
on is
present;
caption are
incomplete.
Space,
shapes and
colors provide
information
themselves
and add to the
overall
effectiveness
of scrapbook.
Design
elements and
principles
used are
adequate.
Shows
evidence of
use of some
design
elements and
principles.
There is no
consideratio
n of design
elements
and
principles.
All sources
are properly
and
thoroughly
cited; the
number/types
of sources are
exceeded.
The minimum
number/types
of sources
are present
and are cited
properly.
Sufficient
number/types
of sources are
lacking; not all
citations are
formatted
properly.
The list of
sources is
inadequate
in
number/typ
es and
format of
items.
Theme There is
wholeness
about the
scrapbook; the
theme is
consistent
throughout.
The cover
clearly
identifies the
theme.
Most of the
information
relate to the
theme of the
scrapbook.
The cover is
relevant to
the contents.
Only a portion
of the
information
relates to the
theme of the
scrapbook.
The cover is
unclear in its
message.
Confusing
and/ or
inconsistent
.
Overall
effective
-ness
The
requirements
of the
assignment
have been
exceeded.
The
scrapbook is
All the
requirements
of the
assignment
have been
fulfilled. The
scrapbook is
neat and
Only some of
the
assignment
requirements
are fulfilled.
The
scrapbook
lack neatness.
Few of the
assignment
requirement
s have been
met. The
presentatio
n as a
whole lacks

43
very creative
and
interesting.
presentable. neatness.
SUMMARY/SYNTHESIS/GENERALIZATION
The music of Southeast Asia has been present since 2nd
- 3rd
Century BC. Music
is an important part of their lives because they use it for rituals, ceremonies, courting,
and entertainment.
Instruments in Southeast Asia can be classified according to the Hornbostel-
Sachs classification. Most of the instruments are percussive with an exception of some
aerophones and chordophones. Each country’s musical instruments and even some
songs are somewhat similar to each other due to their history of trading and migration.
Songs from Southeast Asia commonly use pentatonic (5-tone) scales or
heptatonic (7-tone) scales.
Glossary
Aerophone any musical instrument that produces sound primarily by causing
body of air to vibrate
Chordophone any musical instrument that makes sound by way of a vibrating
string or strings stretched between two points
Form the structure of a musical composition
Idiophone any musical instrument which creates sound primarily by way of the
instrument's vibrating by itself.
Kulintang an ancient instrumental form of music composed on a row of small,
horizontally-laid gongs that function melodically, accompanied by
larger, suspended gongs and drums.
Membranophone any musical instrument which produces sound primarily by way of a
vibrating stretched membrane

44
Meter the pattern of beats that combines to form musical rhythm
Rasa Sayang a song literally means "loving feeling". This Malay folk song is
popular in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Tempo the speed or pace of a given piece.
Texture the effect of the different components of a piece of music such as
melody, harmony rhythm, or the use of different instruments.
Timbre the quality or color of tone of an instrument or voice
Tonality the relationship between the notes and chords of a passage or work
that tends to establish a central note or harmony as its focal point.
References:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTCFS0pgBps&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=MQnSM7_kssM
http://cmtk3.webring.org/l/rd?ring=indoring;id=7;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emamalis
a%2Ecom%2F%3Fp%3D532%26t%3Dec%26c%3D73
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasa_Sayang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1AiCTJ9t8g
http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3vezWaMh3M0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmlAZxha8Pw
Encarta Encyclopedia
Notation in Vietnamese court music
http://www.vnmusicologyinst.vnn.vn/english/information/bai_HTkyamtrongANCD_7_08.htm
Share the Music: McMillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing Company New York
Ru Con:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BCBrHE-dw

46
INTRODUCTION
In this module, you will learn about:
 the prominent features of the vocal and
instrumental music of East Asian
Countries(Japan, China and Korea);
 how the music of East Asian Countries
(Japan, China and Korea) reflect the different
aspects of East Asian culture through its timbre, rhythm, melody, texture and
form /style;
 the different cultural and musical practices of
Japan, China and Korea as expressed through their
feelings towards each other, to the environment, their
history, and culture;

47
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you as a learner, are expected to:
 Identify through music listening the characteristics of East Asian (Japan, China
and Korea) Music in relation to their history and culture.
 Identify similarities and differences of the music of East Asia.
 Describe how the musical elements reflect East Asian Culture.
 Analyze representative songs from East Asia and describe how the musical
elements are used.
 Compare and classify the musical instruments.
 Sing accurately representative songs from East Asia simulating their singing
style.
 Play/improvise simple melodic and rhythmic accompaniments to selected East
Asian music.
 Perform the improvised musical composition using musical instruments or sound
sources that can be used to produce sounds that are similar to the sound of East
Asian music with the awareness of its musical elements and style.
 Evaluate the quality of their own performances and others’ performances and
improvisations of East Asian music using developed criteria.
 Evaluate music and music performances of East Asian Countries applying
knowledge of musical elements and style.

48
PRE- ASSESSMENT
Directions: From the pictures of costumes, folk symbols, artworks, scenery and other
aspects of culture of the East Asian countries (Japan, China and Korea), identify the
origin of the objects. Write your answers on the spaces provided at the left side of each
picture.
1. 2.
3.
4.

51
I would like to know about ________________________
I would like to be able to ________________________
I would like to understand __________________________________
I would like to perform _____________________________________
PART I: WHAT TO KNOW
Activity 1: Graffiti Wall
Directions: Using colorful markers and large poster paper, create an attractive design
of a Graffiti Wall showing what you know about Japan, China and Korea. Throughout
the unit, you may write, draw or add pictures showing additional information gained from
the lesson.

52
Activity 2: Music Listening/ Video Presentation
Directions: Listen/Watch to examples of traditional instrumental and vocal music of
Japan, China and Korea. For you to understand and enjoy this activity, use the guide
questions provided.
Japan - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tj-37nvWMw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC29w9iHJbo&feature=related
China - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssjYy9H7dVM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Fc2amPf34&feature=relmfu
Korea- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6km6PeWEncY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1-qCuTZqY&feature=related
Based on the videos, answer the guide questions in your notebook:
1. Share your impressions about the music you have heard.
2. What instruments are used in the music samples?
3. What mood or feeling does it express?
4. How do the instruments help express the mood of the piece?
5. Is the song fast, slow or does the tempo vary?

53
Activity 3: Picture Web
Directions: Form a group and make a picture web on the music and culture of Japan,
China, and Korea. Analyze your output using the guide questions after
each section.
Music Costumes
Arts and Crafts Culture
 Relate how these aspects of Japanese culture are influenced by history.
 How do these pictures show aspects of Japanese culture?
 What similarities with other East Asian countries can you identify in these
objects?

54
Music Costumes
Arts and Crafts Culture
 Relate how these aspects of Chinese culture are influenced by history.
 How do these pictures show aspects of Chinese culture?
 What similarities with other East Asian countries can you identify in these
objects?

55
Music Costumes
Art and Crafts Culture
 Relate how these aspects of Korean culture are influenced by history.
 How do these pictures show aspects of Korean culture?
 What similarities with other East Asian countries can you identify in
these objects?

56
Activity 4: Getting to Know the Culture
Directions: Divide yourselves into three groups (Japan, China, and Korea). Each
group will visit a Chinese school, Japanese Embassy and a Korean Community.
Interview them about their music and culture using the guide questions below.
Present your findings to the class as a group.
 How does music reflect the different aspects of their culture?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
 What is the relevance of music in their society?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
 Identify similarities and differences of your music and culture with the
Philippines?
Japan China Korea Philippines
Similarities
Differences

57
Lesson 1: Japanese Music
Through this lesson, you will discover the traditional music of Japan through their
vocal (folk songs) and instrumental music. Japanese vocal music is quite different from
the Western vocal music, and is based on the intervals of human breathing rather than
mathematical timing, and how Japanese musicians show their spiritual self-mastery in
mastering his or her instrument more than simply perfecting a technique of some sort
and how they give value to their performance and composure.
Instrumental music of Japan
Traditional Japanese music is basically meditative in character. Its performance
is highly ritualized, as much in the music itself, as in the composure of the musicians
when performing it. Japanese chamber and solo music have a slow meditative pace.
The performance of Japanese music has traditionally been of a spiritual
character, similarly to martial arts and other forms of art such as the tea ceremony and
calligraphy. It is usually about religious festivals, work, dance, love, and regional
songs. Audiences are looking for this self-mastery in musicians. This is the reason why
music has become highly ritualized. Musicians must show this spiritual self-mastery in
their performance and composure. They work on an inner strength in mastering his or
her instrument, more than simply perfecting a technique of some sort and providing
entertainment.

58
Percussion Instruments (Membranophone):
1. Odaiko- (big drum). The physical energy and sheer
excitement of an Odaiko performance is an integral part of
many Japanese matsuri (festivals).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkeqlQeyqK0
2. Tsuzumi (hourglass-shape) – There are two
varieties, the smaller kotsuzumi and the
larger otsuzumi. They are used in both noh
and kabuki performances. The kotsuzumi is
held on the right shoulder and the player alters
the tone by squeezing the laces. The otsuzumi
is placed on the left thigh. Like all other
traditional arts in Japan, there are several
schools of tsuzumimatsuri (festivals).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDq2y2Jq9PA&feature=related
3. Tsuridaiko – a large hanging barrel drum

59
4. Taiko - is a Japanese drum that
comes in various sizes and is used
to play a variety of musical genres.
It has become particularly popular
in recent years as the central
instrument of percussion ensembles
whose repertory is based on a
variety of folk and festival music of
the past.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zSa6Z
z2Zrs&feature=related
String Instruments (Chordophone)
1. Koto - is a 13-string zither, about two meters
long and made of Paulownia wood. It is plucked using
picks on the thumb and first two fingers of the right
hand, while the left hand can be used to modify pitch
and tone. Koto is used in an ensemble in gagaku or as
a solo instrument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L24Nb4CJzV4&feature=rel
ated
2. Shamisen- is a plucked stringed instrument. Its
construction follows a model similar to that of a
guitar or a banjo, employing a neck, and strings
stretched across a resonating body. The neck of
the shamisen is fretless, and is slimmer than that
of a guitar or a banjo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5rs7pfZuPs

60
3. Biwa - is a Japanese short-necked fretted lute,
often used in narrative storytelling. The biwa is the
chosen instrument of Benten, the goddess of music,
eloquence, poetry, and education in Japanese Shinto.
Wind Instruments (Aerophone)
1. Shakuhachi- the most
famous flute made from
bamboo. It has 4 or 5 finger
holes on the front face and a
thumbhole on the rear face.
As with other instruments
above, it was imported from China for gagaku.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7s-wXZWT5o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE8WTIB4kP0
2. Nokan - a parallel, bamboo flute (fue) is the
only melodic instrument used in noh. The melody of
the flute has no specific pitch relationship with the
melody of the chanting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nOATkFsBOQ&f
eature=related
3. Hichiriki - is a double reed Japanese fue (flute) used
as one of two main melodic instruments in Japanese
gagaku music, the other being the ryūteki.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYdCt9XbA8w

61
4. Sho - is a Japanese free reed musical instrument that
was introduced from China during the Nara period.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYdCt9XbA8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpr1F1dZt0&feature=rel
ated
5. Shinobue – also
called takebue in the context of Japanese
traditional arts) is a Japanese transverse flute
or fue that has a high-pitched sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jwbZbQDpU
6. Ryūteki - literally "dragon flute" is
a Japanese transverse fue made of
bamboo. It is used in gagaku.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7lQb4Nx3Sg
Lesson 2: Chinese Music
For several thousand years
Chinese culture was dominated by the
teachings of the philosopher Confucius,
he conceived music in the highest sense
as a means of calming the passion of
dispelling of unrest and lust, rather than
as a form of amusement.

62
Traditionally the Chinese have believed that sound influences the harmony of the
universe. Significantly, one of the most important duties of the first emperor of each new
dynasty was to search out and establish that dynasty’s through standard of pitch. A
result of this philosophical orientation was that the Chinese theoretically opposed music
performed solely for entertainment.
Chinese Musical Instruments
Listening/ Film Viewing
Directions: Watch and Listen a musical video clip about the instruments of China.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBeiYrJo9WE
1. Yueqin - Moon-shaped lute with shorter neck and four
strings, played with a spectrum, used for accompanying local
operas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrttPkk8f38
2. Pipa - Four-stringed lute with 30 frets and a pear-shaped body.
This instrument has an extremely wide dynamic range
and remarkable expressive power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZmAgFyVo48
3. Erhu - Two-stringed fiddle and one of the most popular
Chinese instruments. It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small
ensembles or large orchestra, and by various ethnic groups.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm7NodUdEks&feature=related

63
4. Yunluo - Literally "cloud gongs" or "cloud of gongs", the yunluo
is a set of ten small tuned gongs mounted in a wooden frame.
The yunluo's gongs are generally of equal diameter but different
Thicknesses. The thicker gongs produce a higher pitch.
5. Sheng - Sheng, or Chinese mouth organ, looks like a set
of panpipes, with 12 to 36 bamboo pipes. Each pipe is of different
length with a brass reed at the bottom and a hole that must be blocked
in order for the note to sound. This makes it possible to sound several
notes simultaneously, so chords and melody can be performed at the
same time. Sheng is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iR-KrbeFs0&feature=related
6. Dizi - Dizi is the traditional Chinese
flute. It can have a membrane over an
extra hole to give the characteristic
rattle effect. The player plays the Dizi
by blowing across the mouthpiece and
produces the different notes by stopping the six holes found in the rod.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9LRN5naG4s&featur
e=fvwrel
7. Zheng - An ancient Chinese instrument that has
an arched
surface and an elongated-trapezoid with 13 to 21 strings
stretched
over individual bridges. Its playing range spans three to
four octaves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsCAw-
ilf_c&feature=related

64
8. Pengling
These are two small bells made of high-tin
bronze, without internal clappers, and
hemispheric or bottomless gourd-like in shape.
The instrument has a delicate, clarion and
melodious tone. It is a coloring rhythmic
instrument, either in ensembles or in theater
music, bringing an effect of peaceful dreams.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNRwIFoZR0
Lesson 3: Korean Music
Korea's folk music tradition, with its
generous use of bright rhythms and melodies,
offers a more energetic and capricious contrast to
the nation's collection of classical music works.
Folk music represents the soul and sound of
traditional Korean villages with an eclectic array of
music forms including numerous folk songs,
various forms of instrumental pieces, pansori, and
shaman ritual music.
Chong-ak means literally "right (or correct) music", and its tradition includes both
instrumental and vocal music, which were cultivated mainly by the upper-class literati of
the Joseon society. Chong-ak also refers to ensemble music for men of high social
status outside of the court. In this category, three important terms are a-ak, tang-ak, and
hyang-ak.
Sog-ak or minsogak is a category of Korean music traditionally associated with
the lower classes or for the general public and are vibrant and energetic. It includes
genres such as pansori and minyo. Pansori is a kind of music presented to audiences
by skilled vocal singers and drummers. But even the unskilled could sing these songs.
They sang when they worked in the rice paddy or fields, sang when they went off their
lover and sang when their life was troubled and weighing them down.

65
Instrumental music of Korea
Korean music especially in South Korea has a rich vocal tradition, and diverse
instruments and music forms. Folk songs, religious works, court music, and shaman
rituals all express the soul of a nation whose history is filled with colorful and fascinating
tales. Traditional Korean music represents a world of captivating
rhythms and melodies whose sounds draw listeners in like a breath.
Koreans sang songs when they could not hold their sadness in.
Traditional Korean instruments can be broadly divided into three
groups: string, wind, and percussion instruments .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZZtzYD2MK8
Activity 1: Listening
Directions: Find a partner and prepare a pen and a paper for this activity. Listen to
recordings of different instruments of Korea. Each recording should last about 30
seconds to 1 minute. Here are the questions to be answered:
 Classify the instrument heard into string, percussion, or wind.
 What kind of feeling or mood does it express?
Examples:
1. Changgo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8wHBwyofLw
2. Haegum- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ZeSumH004
3. Komunggo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZZAsbAzx6M
4. Kayagum - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNR-_hH_qOM
5. Piri – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8R-SPyHUM&feature=related

66
String Instruments
1. Kayagum (gayageum) - is a
traditional Korean zither-like string instrument, with
12 strings, although more recently variants have
been constructed with 21 or more numbers of
strings. It is probably the best-known traditional
Korean musical instrument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFe8nHQottI
2. Geomungo - Six-string plucked
zither is a traditional Korean
stringed musical instrument of the
zither family of instruments with
both bridges and frets. Scholars
believe that the name refers to
Goguryeo and translates to
"Goguryeo zither" or that it refers
to the colour and translates to
"black crane zither".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZZAsbAzx6M
3. Haegum (two-string vertical fiddle) – It has a
rodlike neck, a hollow wooden soundbox, two silk
strings, and is held vertically on the knee of the
performer and played with a bow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsyIvJg_Dh8&feature=relat
ed

67
4. Wind Instruments
Piri - used in both the folk and classical (court) music
of Korea. It is made of bamboo. Its large reed and
cylindrical bore gives it a sound mellower than that of
many other types of oboe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MWuIb_BqXA&feature=related
Percussion Instrument
Changgo - is the most widely used drum used in
the traditional music of Korea. It is available in
most kinds, and consists of an hourglass-shaped
body with two heads made from animal skin. The
two heads produce sounds of different pitch and
timbre, which when played together are believed to
represent the harmony of man and woman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXrcY-tXiv4
PART II: WHAT TO PROCESS
After listening and watching videos and recordings of traditional instrumental and
vocal music of Japan, China, and Korea, we can easily say that the different
cultural and musical practices of East Asia are revealed through the musical
elements used.
Vocal Timbre – nasal and throaty
Rhythm – duple, triple, quadruple
Melody – pentatonic scale, diatonic scale
Texture – monophony (a capella); homophony (with chordal
accompaniment); heterophony (same melody but ornamented by several
instruments)
Form – Strophic (using the same tune on different verses)

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Lesson 1: Vocal Music of East Asia
The main tone of Japanese music has two modes: The Yo-sen
and the In-sen. Both consist of five primary tones based on a scale
with seven tones. The two remaining tones are considered as
auxiliary tones. The ancient melody of Japanese music is commonly
based on these modes. However, one melody is not always in one
mode alone. The melody of Japanese music is commonly shifts on
both modes. They often give emphasis on the second or fourth tone
of the mode.
Yosen mode
Insen mode
Activity 1: Song Analysis
Directions: Sing the Yosen scale and the song “Sakura”. Analyze the different musical
elements used.
Sakura - Cherry Blossoms is a
traditional Japanese folk song depicting

69
spring, the season of cherry blossoms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKTRnO7SV68
Sakura
Sakura sakura
yayoi no sorawa
mi-watasukagiri
kasumika kumoka
nioizo izuru
izaya zaya
mini yukan
Cherry
Blossoms
Cherry blossoms,
cherry
blossoms,
Across the Spring
sky,
As far as you can
see.
Is it a mist, or
clouds?
Fragrant in the air.
Come now, come,
Let’s look, at last

70
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the message and function of the song?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. Describe how the musical elements reflect Japanese culture.
3. Based upon your answers, what can you conclude from the musical elements in
the song in relation to the characteristics of Japanese music?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
MUSICAL ELEMENTS
TIMBRE
DYNAMICS
RHYTHM
MELODY
FORM

71
Activity 2: After singing “Sakura” let us listen to a traditional Chinese song “Mo Li Hua”.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za-V_2FBpTU
Mo Li Hua
Mo Li Hua is a traditional Chinese song with a beautifully gentle and lyrical
melody. The lyrics about the jasmine flower also turn it into a love song. The
song describes a custom of giving Jasmine flowers, popular in the southern
Yangtze Delta region of China. Another version describes the fear of plucking the
flower.

72
Translation
What a beautiful jasmine flower
What a beautiful jasmine flower
Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds
Fragrant and white, everyone praises
Let me pluck you down
Give to someone's family
Jasmine flower, oh jasmine flower
Melody and tone color are prominent expressive features of Chinese music and great
emphasis is given to the proper articulation and inflection of each musical tone. Most
Chinese music is based on the 5 tone or the pentatonic scale though heptatonic scale is
also used.
Play the pentatonic scale (do-re-mi-so-la) on the piano keyboard, lyre or
guitar. Hum the pentatonic scale using “loo”.
 Describe the folk song through the use of its musical elements.
Musical
Elements Description
Timbre
Rhythm
Meter
Melody
Harmony
Texture
Form
 How did the varied musical elements bring out the message of the song?

73
 What is the function and message of the song?
 Describe how the musical elements reflect Chinese culture.
Activity 3: Listen to one of Korea’s famous folk songs, “Arirang”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkM_LXUCMeA&feature=related
Arirang is a Korean folk song, sometimes considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea.
It is used as a symbol of Korea and Korean culture. Arirang is in essence a song of farewell.
The origin of the word 'Arirang' is ‘the hill’. With Korea’s land being mountainous, there are also
many foothills throughout the country. Most Koreans had partings on a number of such hills. An
emotion of deep regret is imbued in the rhythm of Arirang. The song evokes the feeling of the
tears shed by Koreans and the remembrance of their sad stories.
Arirang

74
Arirang,Arirang, Arariyo...
Arirang gogaero neommeoganda.
Nareul beorigo gasineun nimeun
Simrido motgaseo balbbyeongnanda.
English Translation
Arirang arirang arariyo
Crossing over Arirang Pass
Dear who abandoned me
will not even walk even ten Li before his/her feet hurt
Guide Questions: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the message and function of the song?
_________________________________________________________________
2. What instruments were used in the music as heard in the song?
_________________________________________________________________
3. Describe how the musical elements reflect the culture of Korea?
_________________________________________________________________
4. Describe the folk songs through the use of its musical elements.
5. Based upon your answers, what can you conclude above the musical
elements in the songs?
________________________________________________________________
MUSICAL ELEMENTS
TIMBRE
DYNAMICS
RHYTHM
MELODY
FORM

75
Activity 4: Sing these folk songs based on the following criteria:
 Clear tone quality
 Correct expression and style
 Correct pitch and correct rhythm
Activity 5: Express Yourself
Directions: On an oslo paper, draw a creative illustration on the relationship of man
and nature as reflected in three folk songs you have learned.
Present and describe your illustration to the class.
Criteria for Critique: Critical, Insightful and Revealing
Activity 6: Listening/ Film Viewing
Directions: Watch and listen to musical video clips of Instruments of Japan. You can
choose from the sample videos provided.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AiZgpIGE4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uO9Mo0WUb4&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNmXNc95ncU&feature=related
Activity 7: Compare and Classify
Directions: From the video clips you have seen, identify the instruments’ country of
origin of each instrument and classify each using the Hornbostel-Sachs classification.
Musical Instruments Identify-Classify
1.

77
Activity 8: Guessing Game
Directions: Form a circle and sit down. A box with different pictures of instruments and
other musical terms written in folded papers will be passed around. Each one of you will
pick one paper and describe the picture or term you got. Explain how the different
pictures or terms were used to reflect the music of East Asia.
PART III. REFLECT AND UNDERSTAND
Activity 1: Sharing
Directions: Form a circle and sit down. A box with different pictures of instruments and
other musical terms written in folded papers will be passed around. Each one of you will
pick one paper and discuss the importance of the instrument to the lives of the people
from that country?
What do you feel when you hear this instrument?
Activity 2:
Directions: Group yourselves into three. From the folk songs that you have heard,
create movements that would interpret the message, idea or feeling of the song as
applied to East Asian folk music.
Rubrics:
5- Demonstrates well developed ability to interpret ideas and feelings and
translate movement
4 - Demonstrates considerable ability to interpret ideas and translate into
movement
3- Demonstrates some ability to interpret ideas and translate into movement
2- Demonstrates limited ability to interpret ideas and translate into movement
1- Needs improvement

78
Activity 3:
Direction: Group Activity: The teacher will divide the class into three groups (Japan,
China, and Korea). Each group will create or improvise a musical instrument from each
country assigned like drums (taiko), metal bells, pan pipes, cymbals, and chimes, from
found objects in the environment such as aluminum containers, strings, bamboo or
plastic pipes. These instruments can be used in the next activity.
PART IV: TRANSFER
Activity
Musical Composition/ Performance
In this activity, you will improvise and perform a musical composition with simple
rhythmic patterns and melody using improvised musical instruments/ instruments that
are similar to the sound of instruments of Japan. This activity will develop your musical
awareness and appreciation of East Asian Music.
Requirements:
1. Improvised musical instrument or any instrument that is similar to the sound of
the instruments of Japan, China and Korea. Examples are Bongos (taiko),
bamboo flute (shinobue, piri) guitar-played by plucking only (biwa, shamisen,
pipa).
2. blackboard
3. chalk
4. sheets of paper
5. pens
Create three groups (Japan, China and Korea). Have each group use their instruments
to produce sounds depicting the music of each country while singing their folk song. The
group will write down their sound as if they were creating a musical score, this could
serve as a memory aid. Groups can do the notation in notes, words, or symbols. Here is
an example of what the score might look like if a group has three instruments and
voices.

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MUSICAL SCORE
Rubrics for musicianship
5 = Includes very original idea, unusual or imaginative musical ideas. Explores and uses
at least two musical elements.
4 = Involves some original aspect(s) or manipulation(s) of musical idea(s). Explores and
uses at least one musical element.
3 = Musical idea is neither familiar nor a cliché. However, there is no development,
variety, or exploration of musical elements.
2 = Musical idea is familiar or a cliché. No variety or exploration of musical elements
(range, timbre, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, melody).
1 = Musicianship could be improved.
Bongos
Bamboo flute
Guitar ♪♫♫♫♫♫
Voice oohh Sakura Sakura ……………

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SYNTHESIS
JAPAN
Japanese Vocal music is quite different from the Western vocal Music, and is
based on the intervals of human breathing rather than mathematical timing, and how
Japanese musicians show their spiritual self-mastery in mastering his or her instrument
more than simply perfecting a technique of some sort and how they give value to their
performance and composure.
Traditional Japanese music is basically meditative in character. Its music and
performance are highly ritualized, as is the composure of the musicians when
performing it. Japanese chamber music and solo music have a slow meditative pace
and use concrete elements, which serve to represent natural sounds and the sounds of
life. The main tone of Japanese music has two modes: the Yosen and the In-sen. Both
consist of five primary tones based on a scale with seven tones. Japanese music has
three general types of instruments - percussion instruments (odaiko, tsuzumi, shoko,
tsuridaiko, taiko), string instruments (koto, shamisen, biwa), and wind instruments-
mostly flutes (shakuhachi, nokan, sho, hichiriki). Compared to our music, Japanese
music is very simple. They sing melodies in unison and they never repeat the same
melody in a song.
CHINA
Chinese vocal music has traditionally been sung in a thin,
non-resonant voice, or in falsetto
Chinese vocal music is usually solo rather than choral.
All traditional Chinese music is melodic rather than
harmonic.
Chinese music uses the pentatonic scale as can be heard in the song “Mo Li
Hua”.
Xiaodiao, or short tunes, are popular music in Chinese urban areas.
Chinese musical instruments are classified according to the materials by which
they are made: animal skins, gourd, bamboo, wood, silk, earth/clay, metal, and
stone.
Pipa is a four-stringed lute with a pear-shaped body. It has an extremely wide
dynamic range and remarkable expressive power.
Erhu is a two-stringed fiddle and one of the most popular Chinese instruments.

81
Dizi is the traditional Chinese flute.
Pengling are two small bells used as a coloring instrument either in ensembles or
in theater music because they produce a “peaceful dream” effect.
Sheng is a Chinese mouth organ, with 12 to 36 bamboo pipes. It produces
several notes simultaneously, so chords and melody can be performed at the
same time. It is also one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments.
KOREA
Korean music has a slow tempo, giving it a very
peaceful and pensive character.
Chong-ak has a literal meaning of “music for the
noble classes”.
Arirang is a Korean folk song used as a symbol of
Korea and Korean culture. It evokes the feeling of the tears shed by Koreans and
the remembrance of sad stories specifically partings.
Sog-ak or minsogak is a category of Korean music traditionally associated with
the lower classes or for the general public and it is vibrant and energetic.
Pansori is a kind of music presented to audiences by skilled vocal singers and
drummers.
Kayagum is a traditional Korean zither-like string instrument, with 12 strings,
probably the best known traditional Korean musical instrument.
Haegum a two-string vertical fiddle, with a rod-like neck and a hollow wooden
sound box.
Changgo is the most widely used drum used in the traditional music of Korea.

82
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
I. Choose the correct answer: Write the letters only on the space provided.
_____1. How is Chinese music described?
a. It is gentle and lyrical.
b. It is slow in tempo and is very peaceful.
c. It is meditative and highly ritualized.
d. It is slow and melancholy.
_____2. Which of the following is one of China’s most popular instruments?
a. haegum
b. erhu
c. koto
d. shamisen
_____3. What meter is used in the Japanese song “Sakura”?
a. Quadruple
b. Triple
c. Duple
d. Compound
_____4. Which of the following does not belong in the group?
a. tsuzumi
b. odaiko
c. taiko
d. changgo
_____5. Which Korean music category is traditionally associated with the lower class?
a. tang-ak
b. chong-ak
c. sog-ak
d. a-ak
_____6. How is the “Arirang” song classified?
a. welcome song
b. love song
c. song for spring
d. parting song

83
_____7. What melody is used in the folk song “Mo Li Hua”?
a. melodic
b. pentatonic
c. diatonic
d. harmonic
_____8. Which Japanese instrument is the counterpart of the kayageum?
a. koto
b. geomungo
c. shamisen
d. zheng
_____9. Which Japanese instrument is called the ”dragon flute”?
a. shimobue
b. hichiriki
c. ryuteki
d. shakuhachi
_____10. Which of the following statements about the changgo is correct?
a. It is a single headed drum whose tone is altered by squeezing its laces.
b. It is a Japanese drum that has become the central instrument of percussion
ensemble
c. It is large hanging barrel drum
d. An hour glass-shaped double headed drum made from animal skin.

84
II. MATCH THE PICTURES
1. a. haegum
2. b. erhu
3.
c. taiko

85
4.
d. zheng
5. e. biwa
Glossary
1. Arirang is a Korean folk song used as a symbol of Korea
and Korean culture. It evokes the feeling of the tears shed by
Koreans and the remembrance of sad stories specifically
partings.
2. Biwa- is a Japanese short-necked fretted lute, often used
in narrative storytelling. The biwa is the chosen instrument of
Benten, goddess of music, eloquence, poetry, and education in Japanese Shinto.
3. Changgo- an hourglass-shaped drum, it is played with two hands - the left hand
strikes the left side while the right hand is strikes the other side with a stick
4. Ching - a huge gong played by means of a padded stick.
5. Chong-ak - has a literal meaning of “music for the noble classes”.

86
6. Clarion–the sound of such an instrument or any similar sound; clear and ringing
and inspiring
7. Ensembles - a work for two or more vocalists or instrumentalists.
8. Form- refers to the overall structure or plan of a piece of music,[1] and it
describes the layout of a composition as divided into sections
9. Gagaku– ancient imperial court music and dance is a type of Japanese classical
music that has been performed at the Imperial Court in Kyoto for several
centuries.
10.Haegum - a two-stringed plucked instrument made of bamboo
11.Heterophony– Is a type of texture characterized by the simultaneous variation of
a single melodic line.
12.Hitchiriki - is a double reed Japanese fue (flute) used as one of two main
melodic instruments in Japanese gagaku music, the other being the ryūteki. The
hichiriki is difficult to play, due in part to its double reed configuration
13.Homophony - is a texture in which two or more parts move together in harmony,
the relationship between them creating chords.
14.Idiophone - a percussion instrument, such as a cymbal or xylophone, made of
naturally sonorous material
15.Improvisation- a performance given extempore without planning or preparation;
something improvised, especially a musical passage or a dramatic skit.
16.Kabuki- is a classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the
stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its
performers.
17.Kayagum- an instrument with 12 strings which is also similar to the koto of
Japan and the chin of China.
18.Komunggo - a zither that is similar to the koto of Japan. This serves as the
principal instrument for a small group of players
19.Koto- is a 13-string zither, about two meters long and made of Paulownia wood.
It is plucked using picks on the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand, while
the left hand can be used to modify pitch and tone. Koto is used in an ensemble
in gagaku or as a solo instrument.

87
20.Lute - a stringed instrument having a body shaped like a pear sliced lengthwise
and a neck with a fretted fingerboard that is usually bent just below the tuning
pegs.
21.Membranophone - a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow
cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end
22.Min’yo –the folk song of Japan.
23.Monophony – a musical texture that consists of a single melodic line
24.Nokan- a parallel, bamboo flute (fue) which is the only melodic instrument used
in noh. The melody of the flute has no specific pitch relationship with the melody
of the chanting.
25.Odaiko (big drum) - the physical energy and sheer excitement of an Odaiko
performance is an integral part of many Japanese matsuri (festivals).
26.Pansori - is a kind of music presented to audiences by skilled vocal singers and
drummers.
27.Pentatonic scale - is a musical scale or mode with five notes per octave in
contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale such as the major scale and minor
scale. Pentatonic scales are very common and are found all over the world.
28.Piri - is a Korean double reed instrument, used in both the folk and classical
(court) music of Korea
29.Pentatonic - is a musical scale or mode with five notes per octave
30.Ryūteki - (literally "dragon flute") is a Japanese transverse fue made of bamboo.
It is used in gagaku, the Shinto classical music associated with Japan's imperial
court.
31.Sakura - (Cherry Blossoms) is a traditional Japanese folk song depicting spring,
the season of cherry blossoms.
32.Shakuhachi - the most famous flute made from bamboo. It has four or five finger
holes on the front face and a thumb hole on the rear face. As with other
instruments above, it was imported from China for gagaku.
33.Shamisen-is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model
similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, employing a neck, and strings stretched
across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless, and is slimmer
than that of a guitar or banjo.

88
34.Shinobue - is a Japanese transverse flute or fue that has a high-pitched sound.
35.Shinto or Shintoism - is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the people of
Japan. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a
connection between present day Japan and its ancient past.
36.Shō- is a Japanese free reed musical instrument that was introduced from China
during the Nara period (AD 710 to 794). It is modeled on the Chinese sheng,
although the shō tends to be smaller in size. It consists of 17 slender bamboo
pipes, each of which is fitted in its base with a metal free reed.
37.Sog-ak or minsogak is a category of Korean music traditionally associated with
the lower classes or for the general public and are vibrant and energetic.
38.Strophic - is the simplest and most durable of musical forms, elaborating a piece
of music by repetition of a single formal section. This may be analyzed as "A AA".
39.Taiko- is a Japanese drum that comes in various sizes and is used to play a
variety of musical genres.
40.Texture - is the way the melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic materials are combined
in a composition thus determining the overall quality of the sound in a piece.
41.Timbre - tone color or tone quality is the quality of a musical note or sound or
tone that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as voices and
musical instruments, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion
instruments. The physical characteristics of sound that determine the perception
of timbre include spectrum and envelope.
42.Tone color - is the timbre of a singing voice or an instrument.
43.Tsuridaiko - a large hanging barrel drum
44.Tsuzumi- (hourglass-shape). Is of two varieties, the smaller kotsuzumi and the
larger otsuzumi which are used in both noh and kabuki performances. The
kotsuzumi is held on the right shoulder and the player alters the tone by
squeezing the laces. The otsuzumi is played resting on the left thigh. Like all
other traditional arts in Japan, there are several schools of tsuzumi.
Resources:
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/japan.htm
http://www.farsidemusic.com/historyJa.html

89
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Taiko_drum.jpg
http://kendrik2.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/pre-assessment-strategies/
http://www.lmu.edu/about/services/academicplanning/assessment/Assessment_Resour
ces/Rubrics/Example_Rubrics/Music_Composition_Example_Rubric.htm
https://owa.ocps.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_conte
nt/constructivism/how/preassessment.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinobue
References of China
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHMCFYIC9E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOzG6DWK9vg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M4gca_uLB4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7hdZ5rYd2E&feature=related
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_China
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/chinese
_traditional_709/en_US
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentatonic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phra_Maha_Chedi_Chai_Mongkol_Naga_emerging_
from_mouth_of_Makara.jpg
Resources of Korea
http://www.angelfire.com/alt/koreanmusic/index.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_1_6_1.jsp
http://stereogum.com/983191/the-20-best-k-pop-videos/franchises/listomania/
http://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Culture-and-the-Arts/UNESCO-Treasures-in-Korea
Recordings/ Videos:
Sakura - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chwADnoFDng
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKTRnO7SV68
Taiko- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zSa6Zz2Zrs&feature=related

90
ODaiko - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkeqlQeyqK0
Tsuzumi- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDq2y2Jq9PA&feature=related
Koto- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L24Nb4CJzV4&feature=related
Shamisen-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5rs7pfZuPs
Shakuhachi- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7s-wXZWT5o&feature=related
Shinobue - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jwbZbQDpU
Sho and hichiriki - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYdCt9XbA8w
Ryūteki-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7lQb4Nx3Sg
Nokan- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nOATkFsBOQ&feature=related
Biwa- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE8WTIB4kP0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_UhaSi46NQ
kamunggo video with explanation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZzeNjyGs2I
Changgo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXrcY-tXiv4
Haegum- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsyIvJg_Dh8&feature=related
Komunggo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZZAsbAzx6M
Kayagum - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFe8nHQottI

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INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
 Listen to songs from Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asian countries alone
and/or with others.
 Relate Central, Southern, and West Asian countries’ music in the lives of the
people.
 Analyze examples of music from Central, South Asia and West countries and
describe how the elements are used.
 Explain the distinguishing characteristics of representative Central, South Asian
and West countries’ music in relation to the culture of the area.
 Perform using available instruments from Central Asia, South Asia and West
countries alone and/or with others.
 Improvise simple rhythmic/harmonic accompaniments to music from selected
Central, South, and West Asian countries.
 Explore ways of producing sounds on a variety of sources that would simulate
instruments being studied.
 Sing vocal music from Central, South, and West Asian countries alone and/with
others.
 Evaluate music and music performances applying knowledge of musical
elements and styles
Time to travel again! Did you enjoy learning
and experiencing the music of East Asia? Then let
us experience how music is performed in South,
Central, and West Asian countries. In this module,
you will learn things about vocal and instrumental
music of India, Pakistan, Israel, and West Asian
countries. You will also get a glimpse of their cultural
context, social functions, and performance styles in
their music compositions.

93
Before you start the lesson, let us find out what you know about
South, Central and West Asia. Here are some activities prepared for
you. Are you ready?
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Activity : “ Where in the World is…”
You will need:
blank map and coloring materials
Directions:
1. Listen to the different music samples listed below. You may find them on the
internet or let your teacher provide them for you. Match the music with the Asian
region it came from.
2. Color each region with:
Central Asia – VIOLET South Asia – RED West Asia – GREEN
Carnatic Music
Punjabi Music
Hindustani Music
Arabic Music

94
Vocal Music
Asia is a big continent consisting of several countries. Are
we going to study all of them? We cannot, but we can focus on a
few representative ones from each region.
ACTIVITY: Countries are written on the concept map below. On a sheet of paper, share
your ideas about their vocal music. Copy the diagram.
INDIA
• __________
PAKISTAN
• ___________
ISRAEL
• ____________
CENTRAL ASIA SOUTH ASIA WEST ASIA
Were you able to match the music to its region?
How about naming the countries in each region? Can you
name them?
In your notebook, make a table similar to the one shown
below and write the names of the countries that you know in
the table.
Do you remember vocal music and instrumental music? As we
have discussed in the previous quarters, Asia is rich in these two
types of music.
Answer the following activities to check what you know.
Have you been to any of these countries? If you have,
then you are very lucky! Take the time to share about
the countries you visited with your classmates.

95
Instrumental Music
It was very nice of you to share your ideas about the vocal
music of the countries above. What about Asian music
instruments? Are you familiar with these instruments? Name
as many as you can!
So do you now have an idea of the things that we will be
learning this quarter? It’s time to make your learning goals and specify
the things that you would want to learn about the music of Central Asia,
South Asia, and West Asian countries. Write your goals in your
notebook. Follow the guide below.

96
PART I. WHAT TO KNOW
Music has always been viewed as a universal
language. In the vast region of Asia, religious
music has been a common ground in uniting
people with different languages, cultures, and norms.
Lesson 1: INDIA
India is the largest country in South Asia. Its music is as vast as its
geographic location and as large as its demographic population. The music of India
reflects different aspects of Asian culture through its timbre, rhythm, melody, texture,
form, and style. In general, Indian music remains fundamental to the lives of the people
of India as a source of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression, and entertainment.
Now that you have written your goals for this quarter, it’s time for us
to officially start the lesson.
a. I would like to know about __________________________________
b. I would like to be able to do the following:______________________
c. I would like to understand __________________________________
d. I would like to perform or produce____________________________

97
Galaxy of Musicians by Raja Ravi Varma
VOCAL MUSIC
India's classical music tradition, includes Carnatic and Hindustani
music which have developed over many centuries. Music of India also
includes several types of folk and popular music. One aspect of vocal
music uses melismatic singing with nasal vocal quality, when compared with the
Philippine music which uses melismatic singing is only used in chanting epics and the
pasyon.
Singing based on a set of pitches was popular even during the Vedic times. The
Samagana style of singing developed into a strong and diverse tradition over several
centuries, becoming an established part of contemporary tradition in India. The hymns
in Sama Veda, a sacred text, were sung as Samagana and not chanted. Sama Veda is
the third of the four Vedas of Hinduism but ranks next to Rig Veda (Rigveda) in terms of
its sanctity and liturgical importance.
Rig Veda is also sung in the Samagana traditional singing style. Because of its
liturgical importance, Rigveda is counted as first among the four canonical sacred texts
of Hinduism known as Vedas. Rig Veda is an ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic
Sanskrit hymns. Some of its verses are still recited as Hindu prayers at religious
functions and other occasions.
Have you ever watched a Hindu singing or dancing?
What is your impression on their way of singing or
dancing? How important is music to their daily life?

98
Characteristics of Traditional Music from India:
1. Carnatic music
o refers to music from South India
o directed to a Hindu god, which is why it is called “temple music”
o unlike Hindustani music, Carnatic music is unified where schools are
based on the same ragas, the same solo instruments (veena, flute,
violin) and the same rhythm instrument (mridangam and ghatam)
o music pieces are mainly set for the voice and with lyrics
o compositions called krti are devotional songs
2. Hindustani music
o goes back to Vedic period times around 1000 BC
o further developed in the 13th and 14th centuries AD with Persian
influences and from existing religious and folk music
o predominantly found in the northern and central regions
o influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic
religion/Vedic philosophy, native Indian sounds and enriched by the
Persian performance practices of the Mughal era
o nasal singing is observed in their vocal music
o in North India, the most common style of singing is called khyal, a word
which means imagination
Additional Audio/Visual Activity: You may watch the
following links online.
 Carnatic Flute-Tamboori by Heramba & Hemantha, www.youtube.com
 Carnatic Vocal, www.carnaticsangeetham.com
Additional Audio/Visual Activity
 Hindustani Classical Music, www.wildfilmindia.com
 Pt. Bhimsen Joshi-Classical Vocal, www.youtube.com

99
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
There are many musical instruments in India. Some
instruments are used primarily in North Indian music
(Hindustani Sangeet) while many other instruments are
used in South Indian music (Carnatic Sangeet).
Instrumental music is often similar to vocal music but
sometimes they have distinctive instrumental styles. There
are five known traditional systems for classification of instruments.
Classification of Musical Instruments from India:
1. Ghan – described as a non-membranous percussive instrument but with solid
resonators. It is one of the oldest classes of instrument in India. It may also be a
melodic instrument or instruments to keep tal.
2. Avanaddh - described as a membranous percussive instrument. This class of
instruments typically comprise the drums.
Daf (Duf, Daphu) Tabla
Dhol
Ghatam Karta Manjira Nout
After learning about the vocal music of India,
the next topic will help you learn the instrumental
music of India.

100
3. Sushir – also known as blown air. It is characterized by the use of air to excite
the various resonators.
Bansuri Shehnai Shankh Surpeti
4. Tat – referred to as vina during the old civilization. Instruments in this class are
plucked (stringed instruments).
Sitar Ektar Gotuvadyam
Gopichand Rabab

101
5. Vitat – described as bowed stringed instruments. This is of the oldest
classifications of instruments and yet did not occupy a place in classical Indian
music until the last few centuries.
banam esraj sarangi
chikara
Rhythm plays an important role in Indian music. It is fundamental
to the creation of any musical system. Certainly, from a historical stand point, rhythm
existed many centuries ago before the word “rag” was ever used. Given this historical
pre-eminence, it is not surprising that rhythm occupies an important position in the
Indian system of music.
Tala - literally meaning ‘clap;’ variously transliterated as “tal”, “taal” or “taala”
- is a regular, repeating rhythmic phrase, particularly as rendered on a
percussive instrument with an ebb and flow of various intonations
represented as a ''theka''
- is the common Indian system of rhythm
Theka - a sequence of drum-syllables or ''bol''
- in Indian classical music, both Hindustani classical music and Carnatic
music use complex rules to create elaborate patterns of rhythm
Tabla - most common instrument for keeping rhythm in Hindustani music
Mridangam - most common instrument for keeping rhythm in Carnatic music
- also transliterated as “mridang”
TALA
If available, use the interactive listening tools by William
Alves, in his audio-cd recordings: Interactive Music of the World,
featuring musical instruments of India.

102
TEACHER-ASSISTED ACTIVITY: Which Is Which?
Study the words written in the box. Identify which word fits the description of
Carnatic and Hindustani music. Write your answers on a ¼ sheet of Manila Paper
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY: Name It!
Name the following Indian musical instruments. Write the answers on a separate sheet of
paper or in your notebook.
CARNATIC
MUSIC
HINDUSTANI
MUSIC
1.
2. 3.
4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9.
10.
Khyal Temple Music
Unified Northern
Krti Southern
Nasal Singing Lyrical
Persian Influence Imagination
Let’s see how much you have learned. Can you identify the difference
between Carnatic and hindustani music? Can you identify Indian
musical instruments?

103
Lesson 2: PAKISTAN
Central Asian music encompasses numerous different musical
styles originating from a large number of sources. Though Pakistan is part of South
Asia, its western part is considered as an extension of Central Asia.
Pakistan is known for its unique vocals. The distinctive Pakistani sound was
formed with multiple influences not only from various parts of South Asia but it also
includes diverse elements from Central Asia, Persia, Turkey, and the Arab world.
VOCAL MUSIC OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan is known for its two vocal styles in singing:
1. Ghazal
 traditional expressions of love, separation, and loneliness; It tells about both the
pain of loss of the lover and the beauty of love in spite of that pain.
 its structural requirements are more strict than those of most poetic forms
traditionally written in English
 is considered by many to be one of the principal poetic forms in the Persian
civilization
 can be sung by both men and women
 Pakistani Ghazal-Payam e Mashriq’s Ghazal, www.youtube.com
If rhythm plays an important role in Indian music, what could be
the distinct characteristic of Pakistani music?

104
2. Qawwali
 the devotional music of the Chishti Order
 a vibrant musical tradition that stretches back more than 700 years
 originally performed mainly at Sufi shrines throughout the subcontinent and
gained mainstream popularity
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Punjabi music strengthens the importance of musical instruments in Pakistan.
Punjab is a region in South Asia which is divided into West Punjab, Pakistan and
East Punjab, India. Bhangra, one of the most recognized forms of Punjab, is based on
the drum rhythm of dhol.
Tabla Dholak Harmonium Rubab
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
SIGNIFICANT INSTRUMENTS OF PAKISTAN
 rahat fateh ali khan-best qawwali, www.youtube.com
 nusrat fateh ali khan-best qawwali, www.youtube.com
Are you ready to check what you have learned about the music of
Pakistan? The next activity will help you test if you understood the
concepts you have first learned. Good luck!

105
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY: Peace, Order and Organize!
Compare and contrast the vocal/instrumental music of Pakistan from the music of
India. Draw this diagram on a sheet of paper and fill in the spaces.
VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
SIMILARITIES
DIFFERENCES
IndiaPakistan

106
Lesson 3: WEST ASIA - ISRAEL
In general, the music of West Asia is modal. Harmony is not emphasized but rather
includes salient features such as melodic complexity and ornamentation, including 1⁄4
tones and rigorous rhythmic development. West Asian music is commonly used during:
 Communal worship (in Mosque, Synagogue and Church)
 Mystic rituals (Sufis, Hassidic)
 Life passage events (Weddings, Bar Mitzvas, Bat Mitzvas, Anniversaries)
 Entertainment (Belly Dancing, Folk Dancing)
VOCAL MUSIC OF ISRAEL AND ARABIA
A. Israeli Music
Israeli singers have a distinctive vocal style. They sing with guttural and throaty
enunciation.
Two Divisions of Jewish Music
1. Devotional
 almost entirely vocal
 featured during Sabbath and other holy days
 the art of Hazan (leader of prayer in synagogue) has always been evident in the
culture
 shofar is a special call to prayer and repentance; it is sounded on the High
Holidays (the Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement)
2. Secular
 instruments and voice are used
 played during life passage events
 context lies outside the religious domain
 very rhythmic and have popular and romantic texts
Pakistan acted as a major crossroad for various
cultures between Central Asia, South Asia, and West
Asia. This paved the way for the similarities of vocal
music throughout the region.
Let us now move on to West Asia. There are several
West Asian countries but we will focus our attention
on Israeli and Arab music. Ready? Then, let’s start!

Grade 8 Learning Module in Music - Complete

Grade 8 Learning Module in Music - Complete

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